wowser 5hrs for a checkout, somebody is getting ripped off. Most checkouts I have done were stalls, steep turns and back for some circuits usually half an hour at most.

What on earth do they think they have to teach you as a qualified pilot that will take 5hrs.

Unless you are really crap and they just dont want to tell you!!!! :p

TPK
Indeed not, due to various confusions on the day of my GST I had no ballast in the back, I even told my examiner who still didnt ask to see any weight and ballance calculations!
We did the GST and I passed dispite being outside the envelope.
I found though that I tended to land a little flat, the examiner pointed this out and said it was probably due to the Cof G being wrong.

Just a thought, you've got a baggage compartment in the PA28 which is rather further back, that means you can get away with less ballast for the same CG effect.

G

thx genghis, I will check that out, it might save my weary arms:ok:

Genghis,

I prefer to tie a small furry animal to the empenage for maximum lever-arm effect! :)

But the point is that the school are getting all arsey about W&B, etc., but almost certainly flying their aircraft out of balance 95% of the time anyway!

TPK :ok:

Well, if you have good reason to believe that the aircraft has been flown out of the forward CG limits, there's a significant risk that the tailplane has been consequently overstressed. Make an appropriate entry in the CAP 398 airframe logbook to that effect, and I'll put good money on that getting their attention.

G

Genghis,
Good answer:ok:

I reckon TPK is right though and certainly where I learned to fly, they are very relaxed about weight and ballance, this casual attitude is passed on to students. Perhaps if they fly only PA28s no problems will ensue but there may be types out there that are a good deal less tolerant of W&B errors.

I did my PPL checkride at the new school (Ravenair, Liverpool) and passed.

It is only early days but for those interested, here are my views.

The pre-flight brief was excellent, I can honestly say that in my 4 years 'next door' I have never, repeat NEVER, had a pre-flight brief in such a professional and detailed way. They were unaware they were taking business from next door so this was not the reason before anyone suggests :)

I had some great instructors during my PPL, but due to the fast instructor turnaround I guess I would have completed my PPL in at least 10 hours LESS with the instructor at Ravenair without compromise to safety or knowledge.

The aircraft were pristine compared to next door.

Prices work out about £5 per hour DEARER at Ravenair but this would easily be offset but the possibly better briefing and certainy worth the extra £5 for the nicer aircraft.

Obviously these are early days but I am getting a real good feeling about the move, I am still a current member next door so may use this to my advantage if/when availability at Ravenair is limited, however, I doubt I will renew my membership.